Zhang Yemiao wasn’t sure how her companions were faring. Though concern flickered in her chest, trust outweighed it. She lacked confidence in herself, but had absolute faith in her dormmates—they were all exceptionally capable.

For now, her task was simply to build a house with Wang Qi. Yet the progress was startlingly swift. Wang Qi visibly grew stronger by the hour.

Even without precise measurements, Zhang Yemiao could see his speed and strength had surged since yesterday. His work pace had multiplied.

A sense of urgency tightened in her throat. When they first arrived in this world, they’d shared their abilities. *Physical Enhancement* was undeniably powerful early on—at least until levels five or six. With sufficient physical fortitude, even magic might fail to pierce Wang Qi’s defenses.

But leveling *Physical Enhancement* was grueling. It demanded near-brutal physical training and abundant energy.

Wang Qi’s rapid growth felt unnatural. Normally, accelerating his progress would require resources—potions, supplements. They had none. Yet he grew stronger anyway.

*Maybe he’s hiding something.*

It didn’t matter. Though the thought left a trace of disappointment, Zhang Yemiao cared far more about one thing: *How could she grow stronger herself?*

She needed to craft items by hand, not just rely on her ability to synthesize them. Synthesis was efficient, but it wouldn’t make her stronger.

What daily necessities could she actually make with her current skills?

*Mastery of Objects* felt bizarre. At least the others had combat-oriented abilities. Hers was purely utilitarian.

Theoretically, a true protagonist with this power might build a peaceful, self-sufficient life before dominating the world. But Zhang Yemiao had zero interest in that path.

Lost in thought, she picked up a twig, gathered two vines, and wove them together. A simple slingshot took shape.

She checked her *Mastery of Objects* panel.

*"Only one experience point for this?"* she sighed. Reaching Level 1 Beginner from Level 1 Novice required a hundred points. *A hundred slingshots? How many years would that take?*

Twenty minutes later, she’d gathered large leaves, bound them with vines to a branch, and crafted a broom. It granted five experience points.

*So complexity affects XP gain?*

But what did advancing from Novice to Beginner even mean? At Level 1, she could synthesize all Level 1 items anyway. The difference seemed negligible—just minor stat boosts.

*Total garbage.* She suddenly felt her ability was even less useful than Wang Qi’s. Disheartened, she reasoned it might eventually synthesize missiles or alien mechs. The potential was there.

But the early grind was brutal.

Wang Qi worked with astonishing speed, finishing the house’s basic frame in no time.

"Now we add details," he said, joining her. Pride warmed his voice—building with his own hands felt deeply satisfying.

Zhang Yemiao hadn’t lifted a finger, yet contentment bloomed in her chest.

Wang Qi grinned at her. "Time to shine, Dorm Leader!"

Shaking off her doubts, Zhang Yemiao pulled iron blocks from her inventory and synthesized nails. She insisted on hammering them herself—Wang Qi had planned to handle it, but she refused to be useless. As a civil engineering student, she knew exactly where reinforcements were needed.

"See this structure? It’s a two-force member," Wang Qi explained, pointing. "Nail here—"

"Static indeterminacy would weaken the beam’s integrity if we nail there," she countered.

They debated structural principles as they worked, driving nails with precision until the house stood solid.

Sweat beaded on Zhang Yemiao’s forehead. The crouching labor strained her lower back. She exhaled sharply, wiping her brow with a satisfied smile. "Done!"

Without resting, she pulled wooden furniture from her inventory—chairs, beds, all carved from the same pale timber.

Their eyes met. "Color," they said in unison.

Every surface shared the same monotonous hue, making the space feel cramped and oppressive.

"Can you synthesize paint?"

"Only with proper chemical reagents."

Headaches throbbed behind their temples as they stared at their creation—proud yet dissatisfied.

"We’ll decorate with flowers first," Wang Qi suggested. "This forest has plenty. I’ll head to the village to register our house with the elders."

"Got it!" Zhang Yemiao agreed readily. She wanted to explore the village too, but feared unfriendly locals. Their looks were the problem. Even in Yinai City, she’d noticed it. Magic existed here—even cosmetic spells like *Beautification* or *Ageless Visage*—but their bone structure and features were *too* perfect.

Beauty could attract trouble. Wang Qi was strong, but she was weak. She’d only be dead weight in a fight.

As she searched for vibrant flowers, her experience bar suddenly surged—hitting exactly 100 points. *Level 1 Beginner, here I come.*

But why the sudden XP? Her eyes darted to the house. *Did hammering nails grant this?*

Then a new problem surfaced. Her companions had leveled instantly upon filling their bars. Why hadn’t she?

Scanning her panel, she spotted tiny text beneath the XP bar: *"Prepare a forge immediately to level up."*

*A forge?*

*Seriously?* At Level 1, she could only craft household items. What use was a forge?

*An ironworks shop. I’d have to open one.*

She grimaced. As a pretty girl, the image of herself hammering metal daily—hands roughened by soot and heat—was absurd. Wang Qi was already strong. Their plan was simple farming.

But her ability demanded it. A forge in their home would look ridiculous. She checked her funds. *Could she afford one?* With enough iron ore, she could synthesize it... but they’d brought little ore, assuming they’d only need basic supplies. Iron wasn’t cheap here.

Sighing at her absurdly complicated skill, she carefully transplanted colorful wildflowers around the house. The splashes of color finally broke the monotony.

Wang Qi returned, holding a bundle and a sheet of paper.

"Our land contract. This nation’s system is interesting—they use something like a household responsibility system. But the taxes are steep. Does raw power stifle societal progress?"

Zhang Yemiao stored the contract and eyed the bundle.

"Seeds. Similar to wheat, but this world’s crops can be... hazardous. We’ll learn by planting." He opened the sack, revealing tiny, unremarkable grains.

Planting could wait. Zhang Yemiao shared her forge dilemma.

Wang Qi grew serious. "Level up, Dorm Leader. Personal strength dictates safety here. Peace can shatter overnight if two powerful beings clash. I’m not saying chase power—but self-defense is non-negotiable."

"Then I need funds for a forge. Once I hit Level 2, I can open a proper smithy." She nodded firmly.

"Oh? So it’s *Boss Zhang* now?"

Hands on hips, she beamed. "Hmph! That’s right. Follow me, and you’ll eat the finest meals and drink the spiciest wines!"

Wang Qi’s expression darkened dramatically. "Silence! Traitor to the masses! Dreaming of bourgeois luxury already? Disgraceful! ...Take me with you."

"Crawl away!" Zhang Yemiao shooed him, laughing.

Amid the banter, their life in this new world finally felt like it was beginning.